DUBAI – United Arab Emirates reportedly closed its airspace to all commercial traffic, forcing multiple inbound flights to divert or enter holding patterns, in what appears to be a direct response to escalating military tensions in the Gulf region.
Air traffic data shows widespread disruption, with aircraft originally bound for major hubs like Dubai International, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah rerouted mid-air or circling in holding patterns. Several carriers have already confirmed diversions to alternate airports in Oman and Saudi Arabia.
Passengers and airlines are urged to monitor updates from civil aviation authorities and their respective embassies.
UAE Flights Update
Based on flight paths and air traffic control audio UAE airspace is currently closed. https://t.co/GEEbl9EgwF pic.twitter.com/HcrAFrvf7B
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) June 23, 2025
The unprecedented move comes as regional instability surges following reports of Iranian missile launches targeting U.S. military facilities in Qatar and Iraq. Although UAE authorities have not yet issued an official statement, aviation analysts say such a decision likely stems from immediate security concerns involving potential missile threats or military operations nearby.
“We are monitoring an extremely fluid and dangerous situation,” said an aviation security expert based in the region. “The grounding of flights and closure of UAE airspace indicates a high threat perception and suggests coordination at the highest levels of government and military command.”
In parallel, flight radar imagery shows an unusual development over Qatar: a complete absence of commercial aircraft, despite heavy congestion in the skies over Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE just hours earlier. This follows emergency shelter-in-place orders issued by the U.S. and U.K. embassies in Doha.
The broader backdrop includes a major escalation between Iran and the United States, with Tehran claiming responsibility for missile strikes aimed at U.S. assets in the Gulf. The attacks appear to be retaliation for American airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, including the highly sensitive Fordow facility. Damage to the underground nuclear site has been described by UN inspectors as “significant.”
As the conflict continues to intensify, the UAE’s decision to ground air traffic is seen as a precautionary measure—but one that underscores the seriousness of the unfolding crisis.
